California’s primary gubernatorial election promises a dramatic showdown, as a crowded field of candidates vies for a spot in the November battle to lead the state.
CALIFORNIA, USA — The biggest question for California’s primary gubernatorial election is who will make it to November.
Voters will see dozens of names on their ballot, but the strongest performing candidates have included Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Tom Steyer, Chad Bianco, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Tony Thurmond, and Antonio Villaraigosa.
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Notably, candidates like former Rep. Eric Swalwell and Betty Yee have dropped out of the race but still appear on the ballot.
Xavier Becerra
Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra said he wants to make housing more affordable so working families can buy homes and retire in California. His top priorities would be building more housing, protecting access to healthcare and expanding education, including preschool programs.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Xavier Becerra
Chad Bianco
Republican candidate Chad Bianco said he’s running for governor because he believes California needs stronger leadership and accountability. His top priorities would include crime, lowering the cost of living and overhauling state infrastructure and education.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Chad Bianco
Steve Hilton
Republican Steve Hilton said he’s running because California has become too expensive and hard for small businesses. His first-year priorities include lowering vehicle registration costs, gas prices, electric bills and making people’s first $100,000 tax free.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Steve Hilton
Matt Mahan
Democratic candidate Matt Mahan said his campaign is centered on lowering housing and energy costs while bringing more jobs back to the state. Mahan said he would push to reduce regulations, reform building fees and improve public schools with a back-to-basics approach.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Matt Mahan
Katie Porter
Democratic candidate Katie Porter said her campaign is focused on lowering costs for families. Porter said her top priorities would include building more housing faster, offering free childcare and eliminating state income tax for Californians making less than $100,000 a year.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Katie Porter
Tom Steyer
Democratic candidate Tom Steyer said that affordability is pushing Californians out of the state. His top priorities would include expanding housing, lowering electricity costs and boosting state revenue by closing what he called a corporate real estate tax loophole.
California’s Governor’s Race: Meet Tom Steyer
Tony Thurmond
Democratic candidate Tony Thurmond said he’s running for governor because California is facing an affordability crisis and challenges surrounding homelessness. He wants to expand housing by building on surplus school property and offer tax credits to help families with everyday costs.
California Governor’s Race: Meet Tony Thurmond
Antonio Villaraigosa
Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa said he’s running on a record of results from his time as Assembly speaker and mayor of Los Angeles. Villaraigosa said his priorities would include balancing the state budget, growing the economy and improving schools.